They ran for the health of it and there were no losers among the over 800 runners who took part in the 3rd Annual Let’s Move Festival of Races in downtown Mount Clemens on Saturday.

On the women’s side, Nicole Monette of Royal Oak won the half-marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday as smiles and laughter and healthy lifestyles were on display on a simply gorgeous Saturday.

“I felt good – great weather, nice course, a real well run event,” said Monette, who ran track and cross country while growing up in Pennsylvania. “I’m running to have fun – half and full marathons.”

Monette, who had a time of 1:28.31 over the 13.1-mile course, ran her race in support of the Team Jenna - Believe in Miracles, which had over 60 runners in various races on Saturday.

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“I haven’t done a lot of marathons living in Michigan,” she said, “but happy to be here today.”

Laura Shamblin, 45, of Washington Township finished in second place (1:35.38) in the women’s division behind Monette, while her running partner, Amber Williamson, 37, of Macomb Township, took fourth place in a race that meandered through Clinton Township and Lake St. Clair Metropark before ending up at the finish line on North Main Street.

“It’s a good race,” Shamblin said at the finish line. “Good competition.”

Shamblin and Williamson trained together through the winter months and each of them race in hopes of breaking their personal record. “Well, I got it,” Shamblin said.

Williamson noted that she and Shamblin are signed up to race in the New York City marathon later this year.

“We run a lot at Stony Creek (Metropark) and at Dodge Park on Tuesday’s through October,” Williamson said. “Everything came together today; ideal weather – perfect.”

Lillian Hergott, 26, of Harrison Township, who trains on Thursday night’s at Hansons in Royal Oak, took third place in the half marathon on Saturday.

“I’ve run this race every year – it’s my favorite race,” said Hergott, who also trains at Clint Verran’s Run Club in Rochester. “This race is on a flat course; it’s scenic; and I was just 30 seconds off my PR (personal record). I’m happy if I can come within 30 seconds of my PR.”

Last year, Hergott finished in fifth place, but said she was a double winner when she met marathoner Cory Steuben, who won the men’s race last year.

“We’ve been inseparable ever since and we run together,” Hergott laughed as runners were greeted by gifts of oranges and bananas upon finishing.

“It’s my first half marathon,” noted Russo, who had a time of 1:52.30. “It was awesome – a real challenge.”

Randazzo (1:43) was wearing a headband that read: I Love Running, I Hate Running, I Love Running. “We were thinking about the Boston Marathon victims the whole time,” she said, noting both of them have raced in the most famous marathon of them all. “We love running. We (Russo and Randazzo) run every day together.”

Russo said those who think about running a half marathon or full marathon (26.2 miles) just need to sign up.

“I always say, ‘if you sign up then you have to train,” she said.

In Saturday’s opening 5K race, Rachel Walny, 16, a junior cross country and track standout at Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township, was the first place finisher in a time of 19 minutes, 30 seconds.

“I just wanted to beat last year’s time,” said Walny, who had a time of 20.72 last year. “I beat it – really excited.”

Walny has been running ever since the seventh grade and more recently started running with the Couch to 5K Club which the Clinton Township Parks and Recreation sponsors. “It’s a club that helps people start running.”

Natalie Wellman, 22, of Fair Haven, finished in second place as she ran for her sponsor , the Couch to 5K Club.

“The weather’s beautiful,” Walny said as temperatures soared into the 70s on Saturday under blue skies. “

Great stories of courage were everywhere on Saturday.

Diane Delf of Sterling Heights, who represented Total Health Systems - finished the 5K race with her daughter, Katie Delf, 28, who is getting married in June.

Ada Love, who turned one just two weeks ago, was pushed in a baby stroller by her father, Kurt, and mother Maggie.

“She had throngs of admirers,” Kurt Love said of her daughter.

“It’s very cool,” Maggie Love said. “It’s the first time we’ve used a stroller – her first race. We just hope to raise her (Ada) with healthy habits, and this is a great way to start.”

Liz Emery of Warren raced with her 1-year-old mixed breed schnauzer ‘Pepper,’ his first 5K. “I do it for the exercise and to stay healthy,” Emery said. “He (Pepper) was slowing down at the end.”

Mary Sidney, 44, of Macomb Township ran the 5K with other members from Macomb Community College, where she is a faculty member who teaches business courses.

“I run for my health and as a way to give back,” she said. “We got 17 other faculty members here. I caught a 6-year-old at the finish line. I can’t believe I did it – I beat a 6-year-old.”

Joan Lanfranki of Washington Township was one of the senior competitors in the 5K at 75 years young.

“I just love the people walking the 5K,” she said. “I feel good. I feel lucky to walk it.”

In last place in the 5K was Jeri Mick of Macomb Township, who said her son was waiting for her at the finish line.

“This is my first time to run a 3-mile (5K) race,” Mick offered.”I am so grateful for (Macomb County Sheriff’s Deputy) Mike Terenzi for following me in. I lost 30 pounds and I owe it to Diane Delf from Total Health Systems – my guardian angel. She showed me that I can do it. And Crosspoint Church – I couldn’t have done this with all of them.”

John Johnson, chairman of Macomb Health & Fitness Foundation, which sponsors the race, said Saturday was near perfect. Johnson said the Race Committee is hoping to bring a full 26.2 mile marathon to Mount Clemens next year. He said Saturday had a full complement of races besides the half-marathon and 5K, including a river walk, kids festival and children’s last mile run.

“I don’t know how today could be any better,” Johnson said Saturday as he greeted runners at the finish line on North Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens. “It’s a great day for Macomb County and Mount Clemens.”